On to Civvy Street

Canada's Rehabilitation Program for Veterans of the Second World War

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The story of the origins of the Veterans Charter, a program that shaped the future of a generation of Canadians.

The bungled demobilization of Canadians returning from the First World War contributed to a period of intense political, social, and economic upheaval. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Ottawa - having learned from the previous domestic turmoil - immediately began planning for the return of veterans, who ultimately numbered more than one million, to civilian life. On to Civvy Street tells the story of the development and administration of the resulting program, which shaped an entire generation.

Detailing the ways in which the Canadian government built on existing programs for veterans, Peter Neary identifies the key figures and events responsible for developing the orders and statutes that came to be known as the Veterans Charter, creating the Department of Veterans Affairs, and establishing sweeping new benefits for servicemen and women. Comparing rehabilitation programs after the Second World War with those after the First World War, Neary reveals the lasting importance of the country's new way of expressing its obligations to veterans. He shows that the measures developed to reintegrate them into civilian society became essential building blocks for the Canadian welfare state and helped pave the way for the unprecedented prosperity of the 1950s.

A comprehensive study of a fundamental change in the relationship between government and citizens, On to Civvy Street is also a timely reminder of the debt the country owes its veterans.

"On to Civvy Street - informed by a sophisticated and authoritative knowledge and understanding of Canadian history - is balanced, judicious, and convincing. Neary carefully weaves into the text personal narratives of policy makers, the beneficiaries, and occasionally the casualties of public policy, as well as the political dynamics at play in molding policies and decisions." Carman Miller, McGill University "On To Civvy Street brings home the sense of obligation that Canadians felt towards those who served. There is now a contingent of veterans who have been wounded or are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the war in Afghanistan. Peter Neary's fine book reminds us, by implication, of the Federal Government's responsibility for meeting their needs." Henry Roper, The Halifax Chronicle Herald"A comprehensive study of a fundamental change in the relationship between government and citizens, On to Civvy Street is also a timely reminder of the debt the country owes its veterans." Canada's History"The Veterans Charter, a series of programs and grants for veterans, allowed them to go to university, establish businesses, buy homes, and start families. The program was a success, as is this definitive history." Canada's History"While Canada paid a terrible price during [the second world] war, the nation emerged from it prosperous and able to reward its veterans. Peter Neary's On to Civvy Street recounts that story in enormous detail." Canada's History"In fascinating detail On to Civvy Street explores how the Canadian government provided assistance to veterans after the Second World War." Canadian Military History"An impressive and sympathetic account of how Canadians learned from history and managed to achieve affluence at the same time." American Historical Review

Peter Neary is professor emeritus in the Department of History at The University of Western Ontario.